Gautam Gambhir held liable for no-handshake controversy, action demanded from India teammate

Former India batsman Manoj Tiwary has called out Gautam Gambhir for his hypocrisy over the recent handshake episode during the match between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

India's stunning win over their bitter rivals has been overshadowed by their decision not to indulge in any customary tradition on the field.

India snubbed handshakes with Pakistan

Right from the toss till the end of the match, the Indian players, led by their captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with the Pakistani contingent.

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Suryakumar snubbed Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss. After hitting the winning six, Suryakumar and his batting partner Shivam Dube walked back straight to the dressing room without shaking hands with the opposition players.

The Pakistani players appeared to walk towards the Indian dugout for the customary post-match handshakes, but were snubbed again. In response, Salman did not appear at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Also Read: Ricky Ponting Slaps Pakistan For Spreading Fake Quotes After India Handshake Row

Manoj Tiwary slams Gautam Gambhir:

The handshake row has caused quite a stir in the cricketing fraternity. Manoj Tiwary has also shared his views on the same. The former cricketer, whose bitter relations with Gautam Gambhir are well known, has once again called out his former India and IPL teammate. The former Bengal cricketer has said that avoiding handshakes with the Pakistani players was not the right thing to do.

"He (Gambhir) was the one saying that we should not play against Pakistan at any given point, until the issues are resolved...I think it was not the right thing to do (not shaking hands). When you have decided to play the game against Pakistan...and also over there (during the press conference), Surya did shake hands with Salman Agha, so when you have already shaken hands...then what are the messages you want to show to the people of India?" Manoj Tiwary told Inside Sport.

I thought the head coach might have felt the pressure - Gautam Gambhir

Speaking further, Manoj Tiwary said that the decision might have been taken in order to avoid the social media backlash. There were widespread calls to avoid the match against Pakistan due to the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military conflict with Pakistan.

"I thought so...there was a trending hashtag as well - 'Boycott Asia Cup'...I thought the head coach might have felt the pressure about him being a little hypocrite about the fact that when he was not in charge of being the head coach, he gave a lot of statements that he can not defend...it might just have triggered him to show some support to the grieving families," said Tiwary.

Meanwhile, India thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets to book their place in the Super 4s. They will face Oman in their last group game.